Morsley’s refusing to hit the panic button just yet

Needham Market manager Mark Morsley is refusing to hit the panic button despite his side’s title ambitions faltering over the past month.

Having enjoyed a run of six successive victories throughout December and January, the Marketmen have seen their Ryman League Division One North form dip dramatically in recent weeks, picking up just one win from their previous four matches.

That included a 1-0 defeat at seventh-placed Brightlingsea Regent on Saturday to leave the Bloomfields-based outfit in second place, one point adrift of Harlow Town but with two games in hand.

Despite the blip in form, Morsley is remaining calm ahead of hosting ninth-placed Aveley tomorrow (3pm) before a trip to fifth-placed Brentwood Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).

“Maybe our luck has run out a little but it is certainly not panic stations just yet, that’s just football sometimes,” he said.

“Thankfully our wobble has been matched by Harlow, who would have seen them losing to Heybridge a couple of games back.

“There will be twists and turns along the way and that is where our resilience and experience will be key, I have been in these situations before.

“We have to believe in what we’re doing because panicking can bring its own issues.

“The next two matches will be tough but like I said it is important that we continue to do what we have done previously.

“I’m just keen to put last week’s result behind us and move on.”

The manager will once again have to contend with defensive issues with Chris Hogg still more than two weeks away from a possible return.

As a precaution, Sam Nunn has not trained this week but will start on Saturday, while Ollie Fenn will be suspended for Tuesday’s encounter.

n Needham Market Football Club are hosting a golf day in aid of Papworth Hospital Charity on Friday, June 19.

Entry for a team of four costs £225, while green and hole sponsorship is available at £100.